Leaders

Modern enterprises require leaders who can navigate complexity, adapt beyond their core expertise, and deliver consistent value in competitive industries. Building scalable, reliable services demands a balance of strategic focus and continuous learning.

It also calls for the confidence to embrace challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth. This is where Puja Rathod stands out, leading Eastern Services Network Private Limited with a clear vision and a results-driven approach.

As COO of Eastern Services Network, Puja Rathod brings a focused and growth-oriented leadership style to a competitive industry. She drives operational efficiency while expanding the company’s footprint across India, emphasizing specialized services and strong client relationships.

Her commitment to continuous learning and smart execution enables her to navigate challenges and scale the business with clarity, resilience, and a forward-looking vision.

Below is an excerpt of Puja Rathod’s exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneur Review magazine.

Could you tell us about your educational background and career journey so far?

I come from a diverse academic background. I completed my graduation in BMS, followed by a PGDM in Finance, along with an M.Com and an LLB, which together have given me a strong foundation in business, finance, and legal aspects.

My career journey has been driven by hands-on experience in operations and business development. Today, as COO of Eastern Services Network, I focus on scaling the business and driving efficient, result-oriented growth.

You are an alumni of IES Management and Research Centre. How was your experience there, and how did it shape your leadership?

My experience at IES was extremely enriching. I pursued my PGDM there with a specialization in finance. I was among the youngest in my batch, which made the learning curve even more interesting. One of the most impactful experiences was participating in their Empower Activity Camps.

It instilled confidence in me and helped develop an ‘I can’ attitude. That mindset, believing you can do something even before knowing how, has significantly influenced my leadership style.

What key takeaways from the IES alumni network have helped you in your career?

IES taught me the importance of confidence and participation. Being actively involved in different initiatives helped me grow as a leader. The emphasis on practical exposure and self-belief has stayed with me and continues to guide my decisions today.

As COO of Eastern Services Network, what are your primary roles and responsibilities? What vision are you driving for the company in today’s competitive landscape?

Currently, I oversee purchasing and overall operations within the organization. My role involves ensuring smooth functioning, strategic planning, and maintaining efficiency across processes.

Our vision is to expand our presence across India. At present, we operate in around 12–14 cities and states. Over the next three to five years, we aim to establish a footprint in all 29 states, making our services truly pan- India.

What strategies have you implemented to scale the business and strengthen client relationships?

One of our key strategies has been focusing on specialization. While many companies offer multiple services, we have concentrated on delivering dedicated internet leased lines with excellence.

Eastern Services provides infrastructure solutions for the hospitality industry, especially five-star hotels, while Eastern Services Network handles ISP services. This focused approach has helped us build strong client relationships and maintain quality.

What challenges have you faced in your journey, and how did you overcome them? What is your leadership mantra for success?

Coming from a non-technical background was a major challenge in an IT and networking business. To overcome this, I invested heavily in learning, attending trainings, upgrading my knowledge, and continuously improving my understanding of the industry. Even today, I consider myself a learner.

I believe in the balance between hard work and smart work. Hard work is essential, but smart work means focusing your efforts on what truly matters. That’s where real impact comes from.

How do you stay updated with rapidly evolving technology trends?

I rely on multiple sources, case studies, books, YouTube channels, and podcasts related to technology and business. Additionally, networking and attending industry events helps me stay aligned with emerging trends and best practices. Continuous learning is essential in this field, and I make sure to stay informed.

How do you approach team training and development?

I believe training should be continuous and aligned with business goals. I focus on identifying skill gaps and providing practical, on-the-job learning along with cross-functional exposure. I also prioritize grooming internal talent for leadership roles through real responsibilities and mentorship. Regular feedback ensures consistent growth and performance improvement.

Overall, my goal is to build a team that is not just skilled, but also confident, adaptable, and aligned with the company’s long-term vision.

What are your future plans for yourself and the company?

For the company, the goal is nationwide expansion. Personally, I aspire to move into a director-level role while continuing to grow as a leader and entrepreneur.

Who is your biggest inspiration in business leadership?

I deeply admire Indra Nooyi. Her journey as the former CEO of PepsiCo reflects resilience, strength, and vision. She represents what many women aspire to achieve, and her story continues to inspire me.

Puja Rathod, COO, Eastern Services Network

Puja Rathod is the COO of Eastern Services Network Private Limited, driving operational excellence and nationwide expansion. With a background in finance and management, she leads with a focus on spe­cialized services, client relationships, and continuous learning, successfully navigating a technical industry with a strategic and growth-oriented approach.